Wash. Admin. Code § 170-297-2375

Current through Register Vol. 25-01, January 1, 2025

Section 170-297-2375 - Parent/guardian policies (handbook)

The written parent/guardian policies (handbook) must include:

(1) Hours of operation including closures and vacations;

(2) Information on how children's records are kept current, including immunization records;

(3) Enrollment and disenrollment process;

(4) Access to children during child care hours;

(5) Program philosophy (the program's view of child learning and development);

(6) Typical daily schedule, including sample curriculum;

(7) The program's policy on use of media such as movies, television, computers and music, in child learning and development;

(8) Communication plan with parents/guardians including:

(a) How the parent or guardian may contact the child care program staff with questions or concerns;

(b) How the child care program staff will communicate the child's progress with the parent or guardian at least twice a year; and

(c) How the child care program staff will work with parents to support the child;

(9) Written plan for any child's specific needs, if applicable;

(10) Fee and payment plans;

(11) Nondiscrimination statement, including Americans with Disabilities Act statement;

(12) Cultural awareness activities;

(13) Religious activities and how families' specific religious preferences are addressed;

(14) How holidays are recognized in the program;

(15) Confidentiality policy, including when information may be shared. See WAC 170-297-2025;

(16) Items that the licensee requires the parent or guardian to provide;

(17) Guidance and discipline policy. See WAC 170-297-6050;

(18) Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect;

(19) Food service practices, including:

(a) Meal and snack schedule;

(b) How child food preferences are addressed; and

(c) Guidelines on food brought from the child's home;

(20) Off-site field trips requirements. See WAC 170-297-2450;

(21) Transportation requirements. See WAC 170-297-6475;

(22) Staffing plan;

(23) Access to staff training and professional development records;

(24) Health care and emergency preparedness policies including:

(a) Emergency preparedness and evacuation plans. See WAC 170-297-2825 and 170-297-2850;

(b) Injury or medical emergency response and reporting;

(c) Medication management including storage and dispensing. See WAC 170-297-3325;

(d) Exclusion/removal policy of ill persons. See WAC 170-297-3210;

(e) Reporting of notifiable conditions to public health;

(f) Immunization tracking. See WAC 170-297-3250; and

(g) Infection control methods, including:

(i) Handwashing (WAC 170-297-3625) and, if applicable, hand sanitizers (WAC 170-297-3650); and

(ii) Cleaning and sanitizing procedures including the sanitizing method and products used. See WAC 170-297-3850 through 170-297-3925;

(25) Nonsmoking policy. See WAC 170-297-4050;

(26) Drug and alcohol policy. See WAC 170-297-4025; and

(27) A signature page with parent/guardian signature documenting that the parent/guardian has received the handbook policies. The signature page must be kept on file on the premises.

Wash. Admin. Code § 170-297-2375

Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.215 RCW. 12-23-057, § 170-297-2375, filed 11/19/12, effective 12/20/12.